In Good Health: Mohawk Valley #215 - January 2024 by In Good Health: MV's Healthcare Newspaper

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JANUARY 2024 • ISSUE 215

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER Doing Pilates

Growing in popularity, the practice can help keep you limber and strong

Q&A with

DOCTORS ARE EXCITED, CONCERNED ABOUT AI

COLD WEATHER RUNNING MAY BE EVEN HEALTHIER

P. 3

P.11 2 P.

JASON MCCARTHY

Scientific operations director at Masonic Medical Research Institute discusses new lines of research at the institute. P. 9

Cold Weather Running May Be Even Healthier

reary, chilly winter days might cause some year-round runners to think twice about their jog, but recent research suggests the benefits of cold weather running outweigh those of running in warmer conditions. Specifically, cold weather can help runners burn more bad fat, lose more weight and feel healthier overall. “Cold weather doesn't have to force runners indoors and I encourage my patients to continue safely running outdoors,” said physician Joshua Blomgren, an assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “Exercise is medicine, even in the winter.” Running in cold weather produces less heat stress on the body, which can make a winter jog easier than one in the summer, Blomgren said. Higher body temperatures are associated with increased exertion and strain on the heart, lungs and metabolism. On the other hand, winter running can boost your metabolism at a time when cold temperatures are causing your average metabolism to slow down in an attempt to preserve fat, Blomgren explained.

Cold weather jogging tricks the body into stopping that slowdown, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Scientific evidence also suggests that exercising in cold temperatures can help convert “bad” white fat to “good” brown fat, Blomgren said. White fat can cause inflammation and insulin resistance, while brown fat is metabolic tissue that helps burn calories. Blomgren does issue some cautions to folks who choose to run in the cold, however: • Dress in appropriate layers • Wear sweat-wicking fabrics rather than cotton or wool • Wear a head covering • Drink lots of water before and after a run • Keep an eye out for hidden ice on running paths • Don a nose and mouth covering to warm the crisp air, making it easier to breathe But even the hardiest cold weather runners should consider staying indoors during sub-zero cold waves, and always remain alert for any signs of frostbite while outside, Blomgren added.

Single-Port Robotic Surgery:

E X P E R I E N C E M AT T E R S As the region’s leader in robotic-assisted surgery Crouse Health is the only area hospital to offer the latest, minimally invasive technique for prostate surgery using a single, small incision. The da Vinci SP system uses advanced technology designed for access to tissue in the body with greater precision and enhanced mobility. A pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, urologist Po Lam, MD, is the ﬁrst and only surgeon in the region to utilize the da Vinci Single Port robotic system for prostate removal. His experience with the SP system places him in the top tier* of robotic surgeons in the U.S. using this innovative technology. *Intuitive Surgical

See interview with Po Lam, MD, and SP patient Dan Cannucciari:

crouse.org/RoboticsSinglePort crouse.org/ Ask your physician if Single Port robotic surgery is appropriate for you.

Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

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Doctors Are Excited, Concerned About AI

merican physicians have mixed feelings on the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) into mainstream medical practice, a new survey shows. The survey of nearly 1,100 doctors, conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) in August, found 41% of physicians saying they were "equally excited and concerned" about AI in the workplace. “Physicians are optimistic about the advantages that properly designed AI-enabled tools can have for patient care, and nearly two-thirds of physicians see an advantage to AI if key requirements are met,” AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld said in an AMA news release. “The AMA survey illustrates that physicians' greatest hope for AI rests in reducing the crushing administrative burdens that plague modern medicine, which drain health care resources and pull physicians away from patient care.” That's the "up" side, according to the poll: Sixty-nine percent of doctors thought AI would help with work-

flow efficiency during their busy days; another 54% said they were enthusiastic about AI that might ease the burden around "documentation;" and another 48% hoped it might cut down on the red tape of prior authorization for insurance coverage. As for actual patient care, 72% thought AI could be helpful in better diagnosing patients, and 61% hoped it might help improve clinical outcomes for patients. Worries around AI centered on its impact on patient-doctor interactions, with 39% of doctors concerned the technology might harm that relationship. Another 41% had concerns about AI's impact on patient privacy. AI is already making inroads in hospitals and doctors' office, the AMA survey found: More than a third (38%) of physicians said they were already using it. While only 11% said they'd used it to so far to help with diagnosis, larger percentages said they'd used AI to help with office paperwork or translation services.

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Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

Repeal the Affordable Care Act? Please Leave it Alone

wo Republican presidential candidates — so far Trump and DeSantis — are, for some inexplicable reason, pledging to get rid of the ACA, often referred to as “Obamacare.” Trump calls Obamacare a “disaster” and “terrible healthcare.” There have already been more than 40 exhausting, politically motivated attempts to repeal the widely popular ACA. So this begs the question, who is lobbying and pressuring the presidential candidates to get rid of this “disastrous” program? Interestingly, neither candidate refers to the historical health insurance act as the “Affordable Care Act” because they are deliberately politicizing and confusing the issue by referring to it as “Obamacare.” They won’t call it the “ACA” because it is widely popular, in both red and blue states, especially for those who are covered by it. By calling it “Obamacare” they are hoping to dredge up some lingering antipathy toward the former president and grab some misinformed votes. Past surveys have confirmed the confusion. When asked should “Obamacare” be repealed, many people’s knee jerk response was “yes.” But when asked if the “Affordable Care Act” should be repealed, the same people thoughtfully answered “no.” The ACA has been law for 13 years and has grown in popularity every year. As of the end of 2023, 40 million people are covered by the ACA either by qualifying for expanded Medicaid or qualifying for discounted premiums based on household income.

The ACA has decreased the percentage of us without health insurance from around 15% to around 8%. I can’t imagine it’s the very people that rely on the ACA for coverage that are trying to get rid of it. Maybe it’s the insurers? The ACA is administered by some of the same commercial carriers that cover those fortunate enough to be covered by employer-sponsored health insurance, mostly paid for by employers. Granted, commercial carriers have opted in and out of the ACA market every year, but insurance companies do that in all their markets. It’s not just the ACA. Carriers are prone to exit a particular market

for care; they don’t provide care.) Fact is, I have not heard or read that any of the various medical associations (AMA, AHA, ANA, etc.) expressing their displeasure on behalf of their members with the ACA, per se. If there is any displeasure among providers, it is with all payers. So, you can’t single out the ACA. Thanks to the ACA, hospitals and physicians worry far less about uninsured patients (less than 8%) unable to pay for their care. (Early critics and naysayers of the ACA, back when it was first being proposed, predicted it would create pure hell — vandals at the gates — for providers because their offices, ERs and operating rooms would be flooded with people with years of pentup medical problems, Never happened.) Without the ACA, more hospitals, especially rural ones, would have eventually closed under the weight of unreimbursed care. The ACA is popular in both red and blues states with the former probably having more rural hospitals. The ACA also made deciphering dozens of insurance plans and making valid comparisons, far easier. (Just ask anyone in human resources.) The ACA created three levels of insurance with increasing amounts of mandated coverage: bronze, silver and platinum. Most employees are covered by a medium priced “silver” level. An individual who purchases health insurance on the exchange would have the same three coverage options. When considering either BlueCross silver or Aetna silver for

‘The Affordable Care Act has been law for 13 years and has grown in popularity every year. As of the end of 2023, 40 million people are covered by the ACA. It has decreased the percentage of us without health insurance from around 15% to around 8%.’

because of low enrollment or low profitability. Most states have around five carriers involved in the ACA. I don’t think insurers are too upset with the ACA. Maybe it’s the providers. Hospitals, physicians and nurses must be behind the idea of nixing the ACA. And to show their utter dissatisfaction, they single out their patients covered by the ACA and provide them with “terrible” sub par healthcare. When someone claims the ACA provides “terrible healthcare” they are insulting every hard-working physician, nurse and hospital in the country. (Insurers, like the ACA, pay

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

‘Most importantly and now taken for granted, the ACA finally ended the infamous preexisting condition clause in insurance contracts that basically prevented anyone with a “preexisting condition” from switching plans because any new plan would refuse to cover the condition.’

example, it is apples to apples. Of course, insurers can “spice up” their plans to attract more members, but they must include the minimum mandated benefits for the level. Most importantly and now taken for granted, the ACA finally ended the infamous pre-existing condition clause in insurance contracts that basically prevented anyone with a “pre-existing condition” from switching plans because any new plan would refuse to cover the condition. Pre-existing conditions could include cancer, AIDS, pregnancy, cardiac disease or even hypertension. Pre-existing conditions virtually locked employees into their place of employment. Some people would have to refuse a better job offer at another employer for fear of losing coverage if the new employer offered different insurance. So, I cannot fathom which of the four major stakeholders in the ACA (insurers, hospitals, physicians, patients) are pressuring the two presidential candidates to get rid of the “terrible healthcare” paid for by “Obamacare.” Surveys show there are far bigger challenges on voters’ minds like immigration, climate change, inflation, national security, voter rights and reproductive rights to name a few. Surveys do indicate however that voters are dissatisfied with the expense of healthcare in our country and rightly so. If you want to campaign on healthcare, our entire system needs a fix. Just don’t single out the ACA as the problem.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

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Build Social Connection. Prevent Loneliness. We may not think of loneliness as posing serious health risks, but if feelings of loneliness are not addressed, they can significantly impact our health. There are ways to help prevent loneliness and the resulting health impacts. If you’re feeling lonely, consider the following: • Seek support: Reach out to friends, family or a therapist. Support groups can also foster a sense of community and understanding. • Volunteer: Helping others can boost self-esteem and foster meaningful relationships. • Take up a hobby: Engage in activities that bring you joy. Join a club or group with shared interests to meet new people and build relationships. • Practice self-care: Maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and practice mindfulness and self-compassion. • Try something new: Step outside your comfort zone. It can be intimidating but can also lead to new connections and relationships.

Listen to our episode, “The Loneliness Epidemic” on the Community Check-in to learn more about this issue and who is most at risk. A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive By Gwenn Voelckers Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

In This New Year, Resolve to ‘Let it Go’

re you convinced you’ll never find love again? Or regret the way you behaved in your marriage? Still angry at your ex? Or yourself? Holding on to past hurts, slights, negative thinking or lost opportunities can compromise your sense of well-being and ability to be alone and content. Whereas “letting go” can be the catalyst for a fulfilling and enriching solo journey. As someone who’s walked this path, I’ve discovered that letting go isn’t just a phrase; it’s a powerful resolution, especially for those navigating life alone after a divorce or the loss of a spouse or partner. And it isn’t about erasing the past; letting go is about releasing the grip of memories, fears and limiting beliefs that keep us from leading our best lives. In contemplation of this column, I reached out to several divorced and widowed friends and asked what keeps them stuck in unwelcome thought patterns and behaviors. Below, I’ve shared their very personal and, in some cases, heart-tugging issues, many of which I’ve struggled with myself. As uncomfortable as it can be, I’ve found that sitting with and reflecting on my issues has been liberating and life-giving. Under each issue, you’ll find some probing questions that may help you move through the letting go process. It might be euphoric recall, but I can’t let go of memories of my past family life when we were all together. I worry I’ll never feel that joy again. • Are you idealizing those past times or not allowing room for new, different kinds of joy in your current life?

• What specific qualities or experiences in that former family life do you miss the most? • What new activities, connections and traditions could you create in your present situation that would bring you similar joy? I can’t let go of feelings of insecurity about making big life decisions on my own, decisions such as whether to move or buy a new car or renovate my kitchen. • What positive experiences have you had in making decisions on your own? Your past experiences can point to successful outcomes! • Are there resources and experts you can consult when making significant life decisions? • Can you embrace the freedom and empowerment that come with making decisions independently? I’m having a hard time letting go of the anger I feel toward my spouse for his betrayal and the upending of our life together. • How does holding onto this anger impact your mood, your relationships and your quality of life? • Have you been able to express your anger in healthy ways, either through therapy, writing or other outlets? • Can forgiveness, for your own peace, be part of your healing journey? Where did my courage go? I love to travel, but the idea of traveling alone scares me to pieces. I can’t let go of that fear. • What exactly are you afraid of — is it the logistics of travel? Safety? Social concerns? • Would talking with or reading articles or blogs from solo travelers help you reframe solo travel as an

Spotting Epilepsy in Kids Isn't Always Easy: Know the Signs

eurologist Deborah Holder says she often has parents come to her with kids who've experienced what they call "funny spells." “Sometimes I start talking to a parent and find out the parent has [also] had 'funny spells' for years, but had no idea they were epileptic seizures," said Holder, who practices at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

She believes that epilepsy in kids is too often missed as a diagnosis, interfering with a child's learning and development. Why? Parents believe seizures have to be far more dramatic than they typically are to be deemed to be epilepsy. Often, according to Holder, a seizure can simply be a child seeming to be unable to talk for a few seconds. Childhood epilepsy seizures can also

opportunity for personal growth and discovery? • Can you start small, maybe with a day trip or weekend trip alone to test the waters and build your confidence? Do it; pack your bags! I live in constant fear of the future, especially when it comes to money matters. My husband (rest his soul) took care of everything. • What is the source of your financial insecurity? Is it lack of experience or knowledge or is it more about your own self-doubt? • Could you ask advice from a friend in a similar situation who has successfully managed her finances alone? • How about seeking the advice of a financial adviser? Your friend may be able to recommend someone. I fear I will be forgotten. I live alone now. Who will be here to care for me if I get sick or feel lonely? • What can you do to build a support network or community that you can rely on in times of need? • How can you cultivate meaningful connections and relationships that transcend your fear of being forgotten? • What steps can you take to maintain your health and well-being, such as exercise and a healthy diet, to reduce the likelihood of needing extra care? I’m consumed with regrets. Should I have worked harder to save my marriage? Why didn’t I see trouble brewing? Why did I let myself go? Help! • How does dwelling on your regrets hinder your ability to move forward? • Are there any steps you can take to forgive yourself for past mistakes or regrets, such as acknowledging that you were doing the best you could at the time? • Can you reframe past experiences as life lessons that have shaped who you are today and offer the promise of a fulfilling future? I worry I’ll never find love again, especially at my age. Negative beliefs about myself and my aging body have taken up permanent residence in my head.

be confused with other conditions. “Sometimes children experiencing seizures will see flashing lights or have temporary blurred vision, which leads them being misdiagnosed with migraine,” Holder explained in a Cedars-Sinai news release. About one in every 26 Americans ends up being diagnosed with epilepsy, which is characterized by seizures and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Holder offered up some key facts on epilepsy. First off, a seizure can take many forms, including: • A few seconds of quiet staring (this is the most common form of epilepsy seizure) • Moments where speech/language is tough to process or sounds garbled • Uncontrolled motor activity, such as a twitching arm, leg or one side of the face. This might last for 30 seconds or so • Numbness or tingling in a part of the body, or sensations such as weird smells or tastes in the mouth that come and go.

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

• Do you have any examples of older people in your circle of friends who have found love later in life? It could be helpful to chat with them about their experiences. • What qualities and strengths do you possess that you believe are attractive to others, regardless of age? • Would you consider affirmations or a meditation practice to help you cultivate self-love and acceptance? You’re worth it! Letting go isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous process of self-reflection, growth, and liberation. By probing these personal issues and asking ourselves these tough but empowering questions, we can pave the way for a life and a future filled with purpose, joy, and connections. I wish you and all my readers a Happy New Year. Let it go . . . and let the party begin! Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content empowerment workshops for women (now on hiatus) and the author of "Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own" To contact Voelckers or purchase her book, visit www.aloneandcontent.com • Convulsive seizure, where the person falls to the ground and their whole body convulses. That's the rarest form of seizure, Holder noted. According to Holder, once a child suspected of epilepsy is brought to a doctor, diagnosis is often relatively easy, based on symptoms. Sometimes an EEG (electroencephalogram) is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Family smartphones can help, as well. Often, parents will use the phone to record an episode a child might have at home, and play it later for the physician, Holder said. "I advise families, if you see a child having a funny spell, get it on a video camera. We are very good at being able to tell by looking at the recording if the event is a seizure or not," she said. If epilepsy is diagnosed, the condition can often be managed with medications. Tests are pinpointing the genes that drive epilepsy, and in some cases genetic testing can help doctors decide which medications can work best to curb a child's seizures. In many cases, kids will outgrow epilepsy, Holder noted.

3 Trends Projected to Reshape the Healthcare Landscape in 2024 By Barbara Pierce

ith our longer lifespan and the transformative technologies that emerge daily, healthcare is evolving more rapidly than ever. Health care delivery is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Some trends that will shape the healthcare landscape in 2024:

Artificial intelligence “Artificial intelligence, virtual visits and the use of wearable devices are all trends that will impact the future of how care is delivered in the future,” said physician Lisa Y. Harris, chief medical officer, Excellus Blue Cross BlueShield. The use of AI in healthcare is not a new concept, but recent advances have launched its potential forward by leaps and bounds. AI is not one technology, but rather a collection of them. It’s being used in healthcare for everything from answering patient questions to assisting with surgeries and developing new pharmaceuticals. For example, AI virtual nurse assistants are used to help answer patients’ questions, forward reports to doctors, and schedule appointments. Also, it can bring all the data regarding a patient together in a meaningful way so that the physician can make a precise diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the pa-tient. One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to make data-driven decisions. By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can identify trends and patterns that human beings would take longer to identify or miss altogether. “The jury is still out on the utility and functionality of AI, but it’s a trend that can have broad implications,” said Harris. “It’s important to note that no

technology is a proper substitute for the human mind and the expertise of trained physicians and health care professionals,” she cautioned. “Used appropriately, AI can be a useful tool in the arsenal doctors use to help speed up diagnosis, aid in the development of treatment plans and even provide additional options, but there are valid equity and accuracy concerns.”

Patient-centered model of care “Consumers are asking for care to be delivered where they want it, when they want it and how they want it,” said Harris. The role of health care professionals is evolving. Harris sees the future model of care to include increasing home visits, and virtual visits, both more convenient to patients. During the pandemic, virtual visits — telehealth — were a necessity and showed us how things could change for the better. Today, more and more patients are taking advantage of virtual visits to connect with doctors via video chats, saving them a trip to the office. Also, the next wave of care emphasizes wellness and preventive medicine, rather than primarily treating problems after they occur. The direct primary care model is a practice and payment model where patients pay the physician directly in the form of periodic payments for a defined set of primary services. It’s been around for about a decade, but only recently started gaining traction. Each DPC practice varies. Physician Tina Chee, board-certified in internal medicine, owner and operator of Updesign Health in Syracuse, is in the forefront of this new model

AI Might Accurately Spot Autism in Early Childhood

niversity of Louisville researchers say they’ve developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system with a near-perfect record of diagnosing autism in toddlers. Using specialized MRI scans of the brain, the tool diagnosed toddlers with 98.5% accuracy, according to findings presented at a December meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. “Our algorithm is trained to identify areas of deviation to diagnose whether someone is autistic or neurotypical,” Mohamed Khudri, a visiting research scholar who was part of the team that developed

the system. said in an RSNA news release. The AI system relies on DT-MRI, a special technique that detects how water travels through the brain along what are known as “white matter tracks.” The AI system isolates images from DT-MRI scans and looks at markers revealing the level of connectivity between brain areas. A machine learning algorithm compares patterns in the brains of children with autism to those of normally developed brains. “Autism is primarily a disease of improper connections within the brain,” co-author, physician Gregory Barnes, a professor of neurology and director of the Norton Children’s Autism Center in Louisville, said in the news release. “DT-MRI captures

Physician Lisa Y. Harris is the chief medical officer for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. of care. “This is the future of primary care,” she said of her practice, describing herself as a doctor, health coach and partner. One important way she differs from other physicians is the 30- to 60-minute time she spends with her patients in each visit. “This allows enough time to review their situation and provide counseling, with the goal of optimizing their health. Time is valuable to both the doctor and the patient; having enough time with the doctor is the main thing I offer,” she added. “For most doctors, the more patients you see, the more income you generate, it’s like a factory.” She offers home visits to her patients in the local area, and telehealth visits to patients throughout New York state. She dispenses some medications from her office, with more affordable pricing. Another way Chee is unique is that she bills Medicare. “Every DPC is different,” she said. “Some opt out of Medicare. I’m a hybrid. I don’t charge on top of Medicare. My practice is more affordable. I focus on keeping people healthy. This is not supported in the insurance model.”

these abnormal connections that lead to the symptoms that children with autism often have, such as impaired social communication and repetitive behaviors.” Researchers tested their method with 226 children between 24 and 48 months of age from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange-II. Of those, 100 were developing normally; 126 were affected by autism. The AI approach was 97% accurate in spotting real cases of autism (avoiding false-positive reports) and it was 98% accurate in identifying children who did not have autism. It’s overall accuracy was 98.5%, the team concluded. “Our approach is a novel advancement that enables early detection of autism in infants under 2 years of age,” Khudri said. “We believe that therapeutic intervention before the age of 3 can lead to better outcomes, including the potential for individuals with autism to achieve greater independence and higher IQs.”

Physician Tina Chee, board certified in internal medicine, is the owner and operator of Updesign Health.

Biomarkers Testing a patient’s biomarker (or biological marker) before deciding on treatment is an emerging trend. Biomarker-guided therapies have promoted the promise of more personalized medicine, with the prescription of the right treatment to the right patient, while avoiding expensive ineffective drugs and adverse drug reactions. Cancer treatments have especially taken advantage of this technology. Biomarkers refer to a broad range of measures which capture what is happening in a cell or organism at a given moment. They are a biological indicator of your body’s internal condition — cholesterol is a biomarker, blood sugar is a biomarker, hormones are biomarkers. They can provide valuable information about cancer; each individual’s cancer has a unique pattern of biomarkers which will affect how certain cancer treatments work. Biomarker testing may help you and your doctor choose the most effective cancer treatment for you. Extraordinary possibilities in healthcare are waiting around the corner.

Fewer than half of children with autism received a developmental evaluation by 3 years of age, according to new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 30% of those who meet criteria for autism were not diagnosed by age 8. Researchers cited several reasons for delayed diagnosis, including lack of resources at testing centers. Khudri said the AI system could help speed the process. It produces a report detailing which brain pathways are affected, the likely impact on function and a severity score that can be used to guide intervention. “The idea behind early intervention is to take advantage of brain plasticity, or the ability of the brain to normalize function with therapy,” Barnes said. Researchers are seeking clearance for the AI software from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

The Balanced Body

By Deborah Dittner

Here’s to a Happy and Healthy 2024

s we begin a new year, many think of making New Year’s resolutions. When this occurs, many fall off the wagon within the first few weeks to a month or so. Could this be because the resolutions made are rigid, have goals that are not realistic at the time or just simply not what is actually needed? Resolutions are often made to decrease weight, get in better shape or begin a new way of living. These resolutions are to encourage a healthier lifestyle so enjoyment may occur for years to come. What you put into your body may be the most important thing in determining the many aspects of your health. Making healthy changes to your daily nutrition will make all the difference, not just for today or tomorrow, but for many tomorrows and years to come. Maintaining a healthy eating pattern takes planning and will make all the difference in your overall health adding years to your life. What is a “healthy eating pattern”, you say? Eating whole nutrient dense foods rich in vitamins and minerals consisting of balanced portions of fat, fiber and protein where half of your plate consists of colorful veggies (eat the rainbow), and limiting processed

foods, sugar, and saturated fats. Adding more vegetables and fruit to your eating plan can begin by adding a new vegetable or fruit per week. Or you may want to prepare your choice in a different way than you usually do (example: roasted veggies such as beets which bring out the sweetness instead of adding sliced beets to a salad). Eating cruciferous and a rainbow of veggies chock full of antioxidants and boosts metabolism. Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, salad greens, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Bok choy, arugula, Swiss chard, cauliflower…I could go on and on, detoxify and support the liver, provide fiber, and help to decrease inflammatory markers. Raw, steamed, or grilled can be a staple to any dining table. Aim for a minimum of three to five servings daily. Eating a rainbow of antioxidant rich fruits aid against metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Fresh fruit is harder to come by here in the northeast this time of year but you can purchase frozen as those are picked at prime ripeness then frozen for you to enjoy during colder months. Omega-3 fats are a necessary component for weight loss, brain health, and preventing cognitive decline and depression. Eating small

fatty fish such as sardines, anchovies, and wild caught salmon also benefit auto-immune conditions. Monounsaturated fats consist of avocado (my favorite), olive oil, and a variety of nuts. Vegetarian sources are flax seeds (also good for blood pressure), chia seeds, and hemp seeds (the most digestible protein). \To balance the gut, it’s important to add probiotics into the diet. Probiotics aid in weight management, and play an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from whole nutrient dense foods. Include fermented veggies such as sauerkraut, pickled beets, cucumbers, and plain, probiotic-rich yogurt. Now it’s time to spice things up! A variety of herbs and spices will aid in nutrition, proper digestion, anti-inflammatory properties, and boosting the immune system. If you haven’t already, experiment with any or all of the following: curcumin, parsley, garlic, ginger, oregano, cilantro, cinnamon, thyme, chili powder, and fenugreek. Herbs that aid in digestion are chia seeds and licorice. Hydration is important and what better way than to add tea to

your daily regimen. Tea, either black or green, will boost energy, boost metabolism, aid in the prevention of heart-related conditions, detoxify the liver, and assist in weight loss. Drinking half your weight in ounces of water (example: weight 140 lbs. divided by 2 = 70 ounces water) provides overall moisture and flushes the system of toxins. Eating whole nutrient dense foods, minimally processed foods, and don’t forget water for hydration – this will lead you in the right direction for a better tomorrow. Fueling your body with nourishing foods will support your overall well-being giving you more energy, better sleep, and a clear mind leading to better aging. Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www. debdittner.com

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associate professor of cardiovascular medicine and scientific operation manager here at the research institute. Has any of that changed? A: Yes, there have been some changes not only in my title but in the research that we are doing. In regards to my title, I am now the scientific operations director. Concerning the research that we conduct here; cardiovascular disease was our main focus for the past 60 years, but now we have diversified. We are looking to be really good at three things in particular. So, first and foremost, cardiovascular research is still our “root,” but now we are also focusing our attention toward Alzheimer’s, autism and PTSD. In addition to those three areas, we are also looking into autoimmune disease states such as Lupus. Q: What was the catalyst that made the change for the institute to go from principally cardiovascular research to these other areas of medical research? A: Great question. Well, all of the staff here, including me, had it in us [the desire to branch out to other areas of research] before we came to work here. So, good scientists are able to take an idea and follow the path wherever that path takes them. That said, here at the Masonic Medical Research Institute all of us are very democratic in the sense that we all work together, it’s very synergistic. We just literally followed the leads that our research was showing and that led us to open up and become more research diversified.

QA &

Q: That is very interesting, can you provide a specific situation where your work or the work of another staff member led to this diversification? A: Absolutely. Dr. Maria Kontaridis is a molecular biologist and also our executive director. She is very interested in what is called pathways. It’s how a cell gets a signal from the outside to the inside. Her work starts off in pediatric cardiovascular disorders, then goes into autism, following one lead then goes into autoimmunity following a different lead, then to gastric cancers in a third lead. So, that’s how we began to diversify, it is a very organic process.

with

Jason McCarthy

Scientific operations director at Masonic Medical Research Institute discusses new lines of research at the institute, which includes autism, Alzheimer’s, PTSD; says 10-year goal is to have a med school on its campus David L. Podos Q: Four years ago, I had the opportunity to interview you. We discussed many topics such as what research you and your colleagues were working on. At that time, you said the institute was focused on the heart and the electrical

impulses that allow the heart to beat. So you and your staff were working on research that was primarily cardiovascular. You also mentioned that you have a Ph. D. in inorganic chemistry and hold several titles, those being,

Q: It is obvious that the work being done here is significant and has the potential to help so many people. Regarding the facility, how does it measure up to other medical research facilities across the country? A: We are often referred to as a hidden gem. However, on the na-

tional stage a great indicator of how well we’re known is by our funding. So, we are a nonprofit and a research center that is mainly funded by grant funding from many sources such as the National Institute of Health as well as foundation funding from the American Heart Association, Lupus and Allied Disease Association and entities like that. We are actually competitive with Stanford and Harvard Medical School in regards to grant competition, which is very impressive. So, our research is well respected. In grant funding the funders look at the recognition of who you are and where you are, so they recognize our value and contribution in the world of medical research. Q: Is there any collaboration with your facility and the new Wynn Hospital that just recently opened in downtown Utica? A: Yes, for sure. The hospital is increasing its medical education program and as such they have brought in people from medical education and medical research to work in partnership with us. They are hospital employees that are [at this point] working directly with the research center to create an association between ourselves and the new hospital. Q: Are there any other local hospitals that you’re currently working with? A: Yes, we do have a collaboration with Rome Hospital, located in Rome. We receive tissue samples from them so we can study those tissue samples, these are skin tissues that after surgery would normally be disposed of. We receive them to conduct medical research. Q: What do you see in the future for the research institute? A: We have big plans going forward. Our 10-year goal is to have a medical school somewhere here on the grounds, more precisely, an integrated medical research campus. We would be able to provide doctors who are in residency programs and other staff an opportunity for them to do their research here at our medical school research campus while they do their clinicals at say, the Wynn Hospital for example. Some of the best medical doctors I have met have their foot in both realms, patient care and research. For more information about Masonic Medical Research Institute, call 315-624-7484 or visit www.mmri.edu.

Local News Inc. is hiring free-lance writers to write news and feature stories for In Good Health, Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper and 55 PLUS magazine.

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Stories range from profiles of newsworthy people in the community to medical issues to nonprofit organizations. View the publications online at www.MVhealthnews.com and cny55.com. We’re only hiring people who have writing experience, preferably in a daily or weekly newspaper. Please email resume and copies of recent published stories to IGHmohawkvalley@gmail.com

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9

SmartBites By Anne Palumbo

Helpful Tips

The skinny on healthy eating

For maximum vitamin retention—whether fresh or frozen— use quick-cooking methods that don’t include water (or very little): steaming, microwaving, stir-frying or sautéing. Frozen spinach retains more of its nutrients for a longer time than fresh spinach because of the lower temperatures at which it is kept. Lastly, check with your doctor before consuming spinach in any form, as its nutritional profile is not for everyone.

What Gives Spinach its ‘Superfood’ Status?

never liked spinach as a kid, despite my crush on Popeye. But now that I have more candles on my birthday cake, enough to cause a divot, I’ve developed a true fondness for this leafy, green vegetable. Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, spinach benefits the body in so many ways, it’s often referred to as a “superfood.” My devotion to this tasty green ramped up when a scan showed bone loss, and I was advised to increase my consumption of bone-strengthening vitamin K and calcium. Although spinach has negligible amounts of calcium, it’s a vitamin K superstar, surpassing recommended daily needs in one cup. Vitamin K also helps blood clot properly. Spinach packs high amounts of vitamin A. This workhorse nutrient may lower your risk of certain cancers, helps keep your immune system humming, reduces the risk of acne, and works hard to preserve your eyesight. Ever experience night blindness? It’s frightening! More spinach, please. A diet rich in spinach also helps fight oxidative stress, an unhealthy condition that triggers accelerated aging and increases your risk of can-

cer, heart disease, diabetes and more. Spinach’s myriad of antioxidants— from its vitamins A and C to its many plant compounds—helps reduce the damage oxidative stress causes. More good news: a recent study found that healthy seniors who had daily helpings of leafy green vegetables had a slower rate of cognitive decline, compared to those who ate little or no greens. Lastly, spinach is an excellent source of folate, an essential B vitamin that is crucial for promoting a healthy pregnancy, turning carbs into energy, and synthesizing serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that keep us happy. So long, cabin fever!

HEALTHY SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP Serves 6-8

½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt 1/3 cup fat-reduced cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup fat-reduced mayonnaise 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) ½ teaspoon Kosher salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper 8 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ¾ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese pita chips, crackers or crusty bread for serving

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Whisk the yogurt, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan, garlic, and spices until well mixed, then stir in the spinach, chopped artichokes, and mozzarella. 2. Place mixture in blender or food processor and gently pulse until it reaches desired consistency. Spread the dip in an oven-safe baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. 3. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or crusty bread.

Plant-Based Diets Cut Diabetes Risk by 24%

healthy plant-based diet can reduce a person's risk of Type 2 diabetes by 24%, a new study has found. Eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains has this protective effect even in people with a genetic predisposition for diabetes or risk factors like obesity, advanced age or lack of physical activity, researchers report. And for the first time, researchers identified specific health improvements from a plant-based diet that would shield a person from obesity, according to their report published in the January issue of the journal Diabetes and Metabolism. These included improved processing of blood sugars, as well

as better liver and kidney function, researchers said. That means the protective effects of a plant-based diet go far beyond simply losing weight and dropping fat, researchers said. "Our study is the first to identify biomarkers of central metabolic processes and organ functions as mediators of the health effects of a plant-based diet," said lead researcher Tilman Kühn, a professor of public health nutrition at the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna in Austria. However, researchers noted that there's such a thing as an unhealthy plant-based diet. Those that are still high in sweets, refined grains and sugary drinks are associated with

an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, researchers found. For the study, Kuhn and colleagues reviewed data on more than 113,000 participants in a large-scale British observational study, gathered over 12 years. They found that normal values for cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and insulin are associated

Page 10 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

with a low risk of diabetes. They also found that good liver and kidney function is important in diabetes prevention. “Our research has now shown that a healthy plant-based diet can improve liver and kidney function and thus reduce the risk of diabetes," Kühn said in a university news release.

Annual Checkup: Should You Stick With That?

Excellus physician: ‘Going to your doctor visit is such a big part of your health maintenance and prevention’ By Jane Schmitt

f you are in good health and thinking about skipping your annual doctor’s visit, think again. A yearly physical exam is important for so many reasons, according to physician Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus Bluecross Blueshield “The heart and soul of medicine is prevention, and we all want to be as active as we can about that,” she said. “Going to your doctor visit is such a big part of your health maintenance and prevention.” Here, Fitzpatrick talks about why she rarely misses a routine checkup and how that makes sense for so many others, as well.

Establish a baseline with your healthcare provider A well visit can help build a trusted relationship with your doctor and enables him or her to understand your unique needs. It also provides

a record of baseline functions including heart rate, cholesterol level and blood pressure. Maintaining a dialogue with someone who knows your medical history is a smart move for people of all ages. Your doctor will encourage lifestyle changes to improve your health and prevent illness. “I go every year,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am fortunate not to have any issues, but it’s a good time to check in and make sure everything is still working. I want to hear it from my doctor.”

Spot potential problems These visits are valuable not only to assess your overall health but to update vaccinations and review medication. But another big part is a medical screening to check for disease. Indeed, a test or scan might detect an issue even if the person isn’t experiencing any symptoms.

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“We are very in tune with our own bodies and think we know everything. But so many things in the body are silent. You just never know,” Fitzpatrick said. A prime example is high blood pressure. “We call it the silent killer,” she said. “Some people don’t have any signs or symptoms. They might be walking around with high blood pressure right now and not even know it. But if you don’t go to your doctor and get it checked, we won’t be able to start treating it and prevent longer-term outcomes like kidney damage or stroke.” Other common tests recommended by doctors include colonoscopy, mammogram, cholesterol check and urinalysis. “The reason for an annual physical is to prevent problems or catch problems early in the disease process. So screening is huge. If you can’t prevent illness, you want to catch it as soon as possible so that you can mitigate the outcome,” Fitzpatrick said.

Insurance requirements for medical screenings Insurers may require patients to have an annual exam before covering certain procedures and potentially lifesaving screenings such as mammogram or colonoscopy. “Those screenings stem from getting in for that doctor visit,” Fitzpatrick said. “Once you have those done, it may remind you to get other things taken care of,” such as bloodwork, a specialist visit or prescriptions to be filled.

The holistic approach Modern health care is multi-dimensional and holistically emphasizes a patient’s physical and mental health. “Preventative visits don’t just address physical health. It’s so much more now,” Fitzpatrick said. “How are you (handling) stress? How are things overall in your life right now? We want you to talk to your doctor. That’s why we run late on appointments sometimes; it’s because we had a long conversation with some-

one about what’s going on in their life.”

Your health can change in a year Don’t underestimate how much your life and health could change in a single year. “Annual visits to the doctor do matter,” she said. “A year can make a big difference. You can go from having low blood pressure to high in a short amount of time. Other things can come up, like a breast lump you didn’t feel but that your doctor feels.” Another condition that could be detected is prediabetes. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 96 million U.S. adults (more than one in three) have prediabetes and don’t know it. The condition puts them at increased risk to develop Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes made now may prevent or delay more serious health problems. “Maybe your weight creeped up one year from the next,” Fitzpatrick said. “There are changes you can make in your diet to prevent that. ‘Hey, maybe I should be walking a bit every day.’ Losing just 5% of your body weight can have a significant impact on blood pressure, diabetes and other outcomes. We encourage patients to come in and have a conversation with their doctor.”

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Physician Lorna Fitzpatrick is the vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

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January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11

Wellness & Fitness

ARISE & Ski Teaches Skill, Boosts Confidence Adaptive program

By Mary Beth Roach hrough the ARISE & Ski adaptive ski program, Mason and Trevor Wallen, brothers who are on the autism spectrum, have not only learned to ski, but they have also gained a greater sense of confidence. Their mom, Agatha Wallen, said for Mason, 16, and Trevor, 14, participating in the program offered a unique experience. “It’s a lot of growth, and it’s not just growth in skiing. It’s growth in confidence. There’s a community of people, people who are there volunteering their time to actually assist them and get to know them,” she said. The instructors, she added, gear the lessons to each of her sons’ needs. It has also enabled Agatha, and her husband, Jason, both avid skiers, to create a family activity with their sons. The Wallen brothers, of Manlius, are just two of several dozen individuals who take part in the program each season, which is a partnership between ARISE, a Syracuse-based organization that advocates for people with disabilities, and SkiCNY, which serves as host. The two-hour lessons, in both skiing and snowboarding, are offered on six weekends through January and February at Labrador Mountain in Truxton. There is a morning session and an afternoon session each day. The six-week session is $250.

The key is that these lessons are adaptive and that anyone with a disability regardless of age can participate, according to Mary Schwanke, manager of the respite and family support services with ARISE. At the first lesson, participants are evaluated to determine their level and equipment needs. The gear is provided by ARISE and SkiCNY. The lessons are provided by ARISE’s educational staff, who are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America and have special training in adaptive skiing. They are assisted by a team of volunteers, who are experienced skiers, and receive additional training. Helping a participant down the hill, the volunteers, for example, may hold either end of a long pole, with the skier in the middle. Other participants can use the sit-ski equipment, in which the skier sits in a specially-equipped chair and is guided down the mountain with the help of the volunteers and staff. Because the participants are matched with volunteer instructors, the number of people that ARISE can accept into the program is based on how many volunteers they have. For example, Schwanke said, last year they had 81 applications, but they could only take 43 skiers. There were 82 volunteers last year. Pre-COVID, Schwanke said, those numbers were closer to 120. Participants apply for spots in

Rome Health groundbreaking kicks off fundraising campaign for surgical services and intensive care

Kaplan family donates $5 million to project, largest donation received by the hospital

ome Health welcomed major donors and members of the community to its groundbreaking ceremony for its new addition for surgical services and intensive care. The Nov. 29 event marked the kick-off of the public phase of Rome Health Foundation’s capital campaign to support surgical services and intensive care. “The $45.7 million capital project will enhance the experience for patients and their families while supporting the care team in delivering the best care out there here,” said Rome Health President and Chief

Executive Officer AnneMarie Czyz. The project involves constructing a 30,000 square-foot, three-floor addition on the north side of the hospital, which will allow the hospital to replace its aging operating rooms and intensive care units. “Rome Health engaged King + King Architects and the Hayner Hoyt Corporation to design and construct a state-of-the-art facility that is easily accessible for patients and families and reflects the quality of care we deliver,” said Chief Operating Officer Ryan Thompson. The project is being funded

ARISE & Sky instructor helping Trevor Wallen of Manlius learn to ski. Since it started in 1996, ARISE & Ski has given hundreds of participants the opportunity to enjoy the winter season. the program through ARISE’s website — ariseinc.org — during late fall, so the program is full at this time for the 2024 season. Those interested in volunteering can also find applications on the ARISE website. They must be experienced skiers. They will receive annual training both on and off the mountain. Off-the-mountain training takes place on a weekend in December. They would only need to attend one day, but the training is offered both Saturday and Sunday, Schwanke said. On-hill training needs to be completed when the mountain is open for skiing, so that can vary from year to year. Like Mason and Trevor, many of the participants gain a greater sense of confidence. “We have had a lot of partici-

pants that have learned how to ski so well that they are now a volunteer for us, and they’re on the mountain teaching other people how to ski,” Schwanke said. But there’s more — there’s a feeling of independence, she said. Since it started in 1996, ARISE & Ski has given hundreds of participants the opportunity to enjoy the winter season with others and experience the exhilaration and freedom that can come with skiing. “When you’re on the mountain flying down the hill with other skiers — yes, you’re using a special piece of equipment — but you’re still going at the same speed as everyone else,” Schwanke said. “We have a lot of people that say, ‘I have a need for speed and ARISE & Ski helps me do that.’”

through a partnership of more than $29 million in public funding and private philanthropy, including a $26 million New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million in ARPA funds from the City of Rome. With the ceremonial ground breaking, the Rome Health Foundation is kicking off the public phase of its capital campaign, which has already raised more than $14.2 million towards its $16.5 million goal. “Rome Health Foundation is humbled by the support of nearly 200 donors to date,” said Rome Health Foundation Executive Director Chester W. DiBari III. “We are pleased to announce that the Center for Surgical Services will be named in honor of the Kaplan family for their generous support. Their $5 million gift is the largest donation Rome Health has ever received and continues to inspire others to pledge their support.”

The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan. “Rome Health has served an important role in our community for over 100 years. I know first-hand how convenient it is for us to have quality care located in our own backyard. Florence and I are proud to ensure Rome Health may begin a new chapter with a modern, state-ofthe-art facility for surgical services. I have watched the Mohawk Valley grow and evolve, and I am happy to help Rome Health do the same,” said Charles Kaplan. In addition to the gift from the Kaplans, the foundation has received leadership gifts from the Hinman family, the Griffin Charitable Foundation and an anonymous donor who all believe in the vision for the new ICU and the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services.

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

Wellness & Fitness Valerie Patrick, owner and teacher at Core Pilates & Yoga in Cicero, shows some Pilates poses.

Owner Valerie Patrick practices on a machine at Core Pilates & Yoga in Cicero

Why You Should Consider Doing Pilates

Growing in popularity, the practice can help keep you limber and strong By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

opular through studios, videos and online, Pilates provides a system of strength training that helps participants gain muscle and recover from injuries or surgery. In fact, Joseph Pilates developed the practice in the early 1900s to help bedridden patients develop better strength through breathing exercises and by using springs affixed to their hospital beds. That rudimentary apparatus became the Pilates Reformer, equipment that current practitioners use. Numerous styles of Pilates have developed since its founder introduced it. “Pilates is similar to functional resistance training,” said Ashley Capenos, nationally certified Pilates trainer at Metro Fitness Downtown in Syracuse. “We use springs instead of weights. It’s balanced with your intrinsic and extrinsic muscular systems. It’s focused on the core, but that helps stabilize all other parts of your body. “The equipment can cater to whatever the body’s level or person’s goal, whether it’s someone who’s

a Division 1 college athlete in their prime or someone off a double hip replacement. Their workouts will look different, but they can benefit from Pilates as a whole.” Working with a certified instructor one-on-one can help modify Pilates movements to accommodate injuries. Valerie Patrick, owner and teacher for about 30 years at Core Pilates & Yoga in Cicero, considers Pilates a mind-body exercise, breathing-based, and focused on stretching and strengthening. In those aspects, it’s similar to yoga, but “Pilates works more on core stability and strength.” “A lot of people think it’s only for dancers,” she added. Because Joseph Pilates’ studio was located near a dance school, many dancers came to him to help them recover from injuries. This early association has caused many people to think that Pilates is a “woman’s activity,” stereotype with which Patrick disagrees. “It was developed by a man, for men,” she said. “Joseph Pilates worked with the British Army to

rehab soldiers.” Much of the equipment used in Pilates is proprietary, such as the Reformer. There’s also the “Cadillac” (also known as the trapeze table). The raised mat — complete with a framework, springs and other apparatuses — allows instructors to not have to get down on the floor with each student to adjust and correct them. The apparatuses aid students who need to improve their physical condition and resistance to challenge them. Students perform movements on an exercise mat also. Patrick said that practicing Pilates helped with her congenital back condition. “I took Advil every day for the pain,” she said. “Once I started doing Pilates, it was the only thing that helped me and I now live pain-free. I have had many students who came to me with different health conditions. I’ve seen so many success stories from those students due to the benefits of Pilates.” One way in which Pilates is different from other types of exercise is that it works small, connective tis-

sues are often overlooked with other activities. Pilates also builds range of motion within the joint itself, which is different and more difficult that stretching before a workout. By strengthening the core, Pilates helps people improve in many types of athletic pursuits. “Pilates is known to be a great way to build core strength,” said Jill Murphy, certified personal trainer and co-owner of Mission Fitness in Syracuse. She added that Pilates also helps build overall stability. “Pilates challenges people physically in ways that other exercise does not, and also helps increase flexibility,” Murphy said. “Although some may use it to try to build strength, proper resistance training would be superior to building muscle the most efficient and effective way possible.” This may include athletes who want to improve to people recovering from surgery, sedentary lifestyle or an injury. And in any case, Murphy believes that Pilates improves mobility for supporting day-to-day activities.

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

Between You & Me

By Barbara Pierce

Finding Hope in 2024

hings are bleak these days. Warring nations, global warming, inflation, the shameful state of politics in the U.S — you know the dismal list. I’m generally an optimistic person, expecting that things will turn out right for me. I have confidence in my ability to handle most of whatever life throws at me (usually). But now it feels impossible to maintain any sense of optimism, or hope, about the future. Beginning a new year, I’d like to feel hope. I want to imagine that the future will be better. I need to do that for my own feelings of well-being. Being hopeful is association with a wide array of health and life benefits, say experts. Our capacity for hope is one of the strongest predictors of well-being. “Hope,” according to the dictionary, “is an optimistic state of mind, based on an expectation of positive outcomes in one’s life or in the world at large.” It helps to learn that there are two parallel lines of thoughts about hope: it’s an expectation of good outcomes in the world at large and in one’s personal life. Regarding finding hope in the world at large, I like this perspective I found online from Joan Halifax of the Zen Center in New Mexico: “Wise hope is seeing things as they are and facing them,” she said. “Wise hope seems to be more achievable and very relevant in these troubled times. Wise hope doesn’t mean denying the present realities. It means facing them, addressing them, and remembering what else is present.” What I’ve learned from that is, first, I need to acknowledge what’s going on in the world. OK, I’ve done that. Next, I need to look at what I can

do to change the situation. I do recycle; perhaps I can learn about more things I can to do for climate change. And I can prepare my grandchildren to face the adversities they may have to confront. Regarding other things going on in the world that I despair about, there is nothing I can do about them. I need to accept I’m doing all I can and step back, let go. If I can do nothing about these situations, I will acknowledge my concerns, then move on. Why lament about things I can do nothing about? Remembering what else is present in my life is how to feel wise hope. There are many things to be grateful for every day. I believe that practicing gratitude will bring me a more hopeful spirit. Gratitude about the little things in my life. There’s evidence that the absence of positive thoughts has a greater negative impact on our feelings of well-being than the presence of negative ones. That’s significant. Thinking positive thoughts is more helpful than getting rid of negative thoughts. I must to focus on all the good things in my life right now and appreciate every moment of every day. The wonderful cup of coffee I just had; the opportunity to go for a walk; spending time with my friend at lunch. The other part of hope is hope in my personal life. Trust in my ability to handle things that may come along. Remembering I’ve had bleak periods in my life before. I’ve coped. I’m strong, able to meet adversity. I’ve got this. Other strategies to cultivate hope: Limit your bad news intake. With regular doses of war, disasters, crime, scandals, no question that the news is bad for our health. Watch-

ing has direct, measurable effects on our bodies: higher adrenaline levels, elevated blood pressure. When you stop watching the news, your life will improve almost overnight, they said. You’ll feel less anxiety, anger, sadness and insomnia. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your feelings of well-being. Surround yourself with positive people: You probably know at least one person who persistently sees the bright side of life. And you probably know others who leave you drained. Get in touch with that positive person for a boost. If you don’t have anyone in your life like that, what could you do to them to your life? My friend, Mary Lou, is like that. Every time I talk about my despair about the U.S., she reminds me our country has survived difficult divisions before, like the Civil War. She’s a history teacher and knows the other low points in our history — the 1930s Depression, the Vietnam War. What’s happening now is not the end of the story; it’s just what we can see at this moment.

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Denial isn’t always a bad thing. A healthy dose of denial can improve one’s outlook, according to some. Mental health requires some self-deception. It can be a healthy option to protect yourself. Sometimes denial is essential; it can give you time to accept a significant change in your life. Wise hope is a realistic expectation that something good will happen and your life is on the right track. Think I’ve got it!

Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When You Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.

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Wearable Technology: Will it Revolutionize Healthcare? By Barbara Pierce

ho knew that the humble fitness tracker would evolve into your own personal health coach, nutritionist and fitness adviser that you keep with you at all times? Fifteen years ago, the first fitness tracking device was released, a pioneer in the category. You clipped it on and it tracked your steps, distance, sleep and calories burned. Since then, wearables have exploded, giving us access to detailed health information that we can view at the tap of a smartphone. Today’s wearables can provide us with sophisticated health data and insights. They can monitor many aspects of our health, detect health issues early and provide personalized health recommendations.

Wearable technology for healthcare includes devices that you attach to your body to collect health and fitness data. These devices collect data such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose. People like them as they’re convenient and easy to use, automatically track your information, some pass on the information to your health care professional. Demand for these devices is booming. I’m fortunate to have a continuous glucose monitor on my arm. I have diabetes; it automatically estimates my blood glucose level or blood sugar. To know what my level is at any time, day or night, I just hold my smartphone to the device. It not only tells me what my current level is, it tells me the trend, wheth-

er it’s going up or down and tells me the percentage of time I’ve been in my target zone, over the past 24 hours, several days, whatever time period I choose. It also sends alarms if my blood sugar gets too low or too high. (To be honest, I found the noise of these alarms incredibly annoying, so I shut them off.) My doctor is able to read the results to better prescribe medication tailored to my needs. I change to a new device every 14 days; it’s easy to put into my arm. No cost to me; Medicare pays. I love this device for several reasons: For years, I had to prick my finger to get a blood sugar reading. I did it mostly when I knew my reading would be good, ignored it most of the time. I wasn’t motivated to try too hard. Now the handy little device on my arm motivates me to try to succeed in making my blood sugar within the target zone. I can make better decisions about what I eat and drink. My doctor can make better decisions about medica-tions. Some other examples include several versions of a fitness tracker, a wrist-worn device that can detect some combination of walking steps, running distance, heart rate, sleep patterns and swimming laps; a blood pressure monitor to wear on your arm; self-chargeable insoles that

monitor fitness; a robotic toothbrush for people with limited dexterity, and a device that monitors your vital signs. Wearable devices can help with the diagnosis and monitoring of mental health disorders like depression. They improve patient management efficiency in hospitals. A biosensor in a self-adhesive patch will collect data on your heart rate, movement, temperature and respiratory rate. A wrist device utilizes sensory substitution to carry speech as vibration patterns for deaf people. You’ve probably seen the TV commercials for Noom, an app that’s become very popular. It’s a comprehensive wellness plan with food, exercise and mental health aspects to change your behaviors so you not only take off the weight, but maintain the loss. Those are just a small fraction of the vast number of devices available. Prices vary considerably; most insurances cover those deemed to be medically necessary. All have their pros and cons. Today’s technological innovations are changing healthcare. Why are these devices so powerful? First, they manage and prevent chronic diseases. They focus on healthy habits, encourage their wearer to set and achieve goals. They’re affordable, especial-ly outside the U.S. Also, these devices fit seamlessly into your life. Your health care professional can use the data to tailor treatment to your needs. Wearable devices can predict medical conditions before you even have symptoms, which allows you to seek more effective treatment options with a better prognosis. No question these devices offer many benefits. But they are not without serious concerns. Physician Lisa Y. Harris, chief medical officer with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, offered an important caution: “While we have more access to information and technology than ever before, we need to ensure that the information is being used and integrated into care plans that will lead to better overall health outcomes.” “For example, if a patient has a wearable device that measures blood pressure and it reads high, but the information is not sent to a provider or there is no follow-up and plan for correction, what is the point of the device?” she said.

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OMEN'S HEALTH

Things You Need to Know About Anxiety By Barbara Pierce

nxiety disorders are a range of serious medical conditions, the most common mental disorder in the U.S. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It’s been identified as the No. 1 health concern for teens and young women. Many of those dealing with anxiety find it difficult to get through the day, live in fear of daily activities and feel as if their anxiety dominates their lives. Some use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. We asked licensed mental health counselor James Davis, CEO of Samaritan Counseling Center in Utica to help us bet-ter understand anxiety.

Are More Open to 1.People Discuss It

Q: How do you define anxiety? Is it becoming more common? A: Anxiety is a part of life for all of us. It can be good or bad. Anxiety motives us to do what we need to do, avoid what we need to avoid. Most of us can cope with the anxiety we face. However, for some, it affects the quality of their life. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen more people coming in with depression and anxiety. My guess as to why would be that we were all locked up for so long, it became scary for some to come back out, to get back into the world, have a normal life. Many of the clients we’re seeing now would

have never come in before the pandemic. Now days, people are more open to talking about anxiety and depression.

It Affects How We Think

Q: How do I know if I’m experiencing anxiety? A: Physically, you might have stomach issues or headaches; a feeling like a pit in your stomach and you don’t know why or trouble sleeping. You may have cognitive issues, as anxiety affects how we think. You may have a sense of dread, a feeling that something needs to get done. You may have feelings of doom, worry, maybe you can’t put your finger on it. You’ll have worrisome thoughts. “What if…? (something bad you fear will happen). The “what if?” is always negative. For some people, these symptoms come and go.

Issues a Source 3.Financial of Anxiety

Q: What are the causes of anxiety? A: When a person comes to us for help, we look at their family history, as there might be a genetic component. If your parents or grandparents had anxiety, you might also. There’s an environmental component also. All sorts of things happen to us in life. For example,

financial issues are most stressful for many; older people feel that they’re not valued in the workforce; relationship issues come up.

4.When to Seek Help

Q: How do I know when to see a professional for help? A: If you feel like the quality of your life has changed, for example, your work is suffering or you can’t even work anymore, if you have social anxiety or a school phobia or panic attacks. If anxiety interferes with your daily life or is hard to control, start the process to deal with it.

5.Exercise Is Always Good

Q: How do you help people with anxiety? Is it effective? A: We start where the client is at. (Their current state of being; what brought them in at this moment.) We educate them about how anxiety affects us, how what you’re feeling influences your thoughts and your behavior. For example, if you’re thinking “Nobody likes me,” you might isolate yourself because you feel sad about this. Then nobody checks up on you and that reinforces your feeling that nobody likes you. Yes, therapy is effective. If you’re working through a loss, or going through a difficult transition in your life, therapy definitely helps. For generalized anxiety with no apparent trigger or cause, a combination of medication and talk therapy does help. Some of our clients don’t wish to take medication and we do talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy. Several of the medications prescribed for depression work for anxiety, like Zoloft and Paxil. They take a while to build up in your system. As the drugs known as benzodiazepines have an addictive quality, doctors don’t usually prescribe them. We also teach simple 4-7-8 breathing: Breathe in for four counts,

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James Davis, licensed mental health counselor, is the CEO of Samaritan Counseling Center in Utica. Exercise is good medicine for anxiety and depression, he says. hold for seven, let it out for eight. This works to regulate the amygdala. I teach it to kids all the time. If people are avoiding a situation that triggers their anxiety, we help them work through this, with exposure to the situation while doing the breathing exercise. Exercise is always good. It’s a great way to help your body re-lax. And having a support network is important; who do you trust? Panic attacks are one form of anxiety that is especially disturbing. Really intense, they come out of nowhere. Your heart rate goes up, you may feel like you can’t breathe or feel like you’re going to die. You begin avoiding the situation that caused the attack, i.e. if it happened while you were driving, you may get anxious before getting into the car. Once you’ve had one, you fear it will happen again. We help people deal with it; labeling it as a panic attack helps.

Exceptional orthopedic care just got even better. Community Memorial Orthopedic Center By Jim Miller

Tips on Caring for an Aging Parent Dear Savvy Senior, Where can I turn for caregiving help? I help take care of my 80-yearold father and work too, and it’s wearing me out. Worn Out Wendy

Dear Wendy, Taking care of an aging parent over a period of time — especially when juggling work and other family obligations — can be exhausting. But help and resources are available. Here’s what you should know.

Identify Your Needs To help you determine and prioritize the kinds of help you need, a good first step is to make a detailed list of everything you do as your dad’s caregiver and the amount of time each task takes. Identify the times when you need help the most and which tasks others might be able to do for you. Then list the types of care needed, such as simple companionship or doing active chores, like shopping or running errands. Once you determine this, here are some tips and places you can reach out to for help.

Care Helpers If you have siblings or other loved ones close by, start by asking them if they could come and help with specific tasks. And see if friends, neighbors or faith group members could help too. You also need to check into local resources that may be available. Many communities offer a range of free or subsidized services that help seniors and caregivers with basic needs such as home delivered meals, transportation, senior companion services and respite services, which offers short-term care so you can take an occasional break. Call the office of the aging in your county for referrals to services. There are also a bevy of online services you can use to help you save time on certain chores. For example, online grocery shopping and home deliveries, and online pharmacy medication refills and deliveries. You can also order meal-kits or pre-made meals online through numerous meal service delivery companies and arrange needed transportation with ride sharing services like Lyft or Uber. Or, if you can afford it, you may want to consider hiring someone a few hours a week to help with things like cooking, housekeeping or even personal care. Costs can run anywhere from $12 up to $25 per hour. Care.com or CareLinx.com are two

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

good websites to help you find someone, or you can work with a local home care agency.

Financial Aids If you’re handling your dad’s financial chores, make things easier by arranging for direct deposit for his income sources, and set up automatic payments for his utilities and other routine bills. You may also want to set up your dad’s online banking service, so you can pay bills and monitor his account anytime. Or, if you need help, consider hiring a bill paying service like Silver Bills (SilverBills.com), which charges a flat fee of $150 per month. BenefitsCheckup.org is another excellent tool to look for financial assistance programs that may help your dad, particularly if he’s lower income.

Technology Solutions

The most advanced orthopedics program and the latest in joint replacement robotics can be found right here in Hamilton, NY. Areas of specialty include: • Joint Replacement

• Sports Injury

• Upper Extremities

• Robotic Surgery

• Spine & Brain

• Trauma

To make an appointment, please call (315) 824-7040. Learn more at CommunityMemorial.Org/Ortho

To help you keep tabs on your dad when you are away at work or if he lives alone, there are affordable technology devices that can help. For example, there are medical alert systems and smart speakers that help with communication and allow him to call for help if needed. Home video cameras with two-way speakers that allow you to monitor and talk to him when you’re away. Electronic pill boxes that can notify you if he has taken his medications. And to help you coordinate his care with other members of his care team there are websites like LotsAHelpingHands.com.

Other Resources There are also a number of other organizations you can draw on for additional information like the Family Care Alliance (Caregiver. org), which provides a state-by-state listing of caregiving programs and services; the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org/help-support/caregiving) that provides information unique to the challenges of dementia caregivers; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Caregiver.va.gov), which offers caregiver support services to veterans and spouses.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

When you need labwork, we’re in New Hartford Walk-ins welcome 555 French Rd., Building 2 in New Hartford Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prompt, courteous and no appointment needed. Learn more at laboratoryalliance.com

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

OMEN'S HEALTH

9 Women’s Health Myths Do you believe any of these? Really? By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Maybe it was information passed down to you. Or perhaps you always assumed something to be true. But it’s time to clear up a few myths about women’s health. Myth: Working out is always unpleasant and usually painful if you want to see results. Truth: “We’re encouraging people to have a positive outlook on exercise and to have a reasonable expectation,” said Kevin Gretsky, a physical therapist at Brighton Physical Therapy in Syracuse. Myth: Exercising hard is the only way to be healthy. Truth: “‘More’ isn’t always ‘better,’” Gretsky said. “Fitness should be built around your goals.” A personal trainer or physical therapist can advise on what you should do and how hard you should work out to reach your goals.

Working with a health team is important because it helps improve both the safety and efficacy of making healthy lifestyle choices. Myth: I can’t work out because I’m not in good enough shape. Truth: “That’s untrue. You don’t have to be in good shape to start,” said Ashley Capenos, nationally certified Pilates trainer at Metro Fitness Downtown in Syracuse. “I’ve seen people with MS, ALS, scoliosis and older people who had polio as a kid with different sizes of legs.” Selecting a form of exercise or physical activity that works for you and your goals matters the most.

Myth: Aerobic exercise is all you need to be healthy. Truth: “Aerobic exercise, weight training and all of it is important and doing it under the guidance of a professional,” Gretsky said. “Thinking about fitness and wellness and weight loss, is important to have a multi-disciplined approach.”

Myth: The number on the scale is the most important metric for health. Truth: “When people start working with me, they think they’ll see weight loss,” Capenos said. “I tell them to throw the scale away. Weight is not a value correlating directly with their health. What you’re looking for is how you’re feeling, your mood and how your clothes are fitting. If you have the energy to keep up with two children under three, you’re probably in good shape. Weight is not an indication of overall health and wellbeing. The BMI chart has warped us all.”

Myth: You should be the only one responsible improving your health. Truth: “Have a physical therapist for injuries, a nutritionist for diet, a doctor monitoring your blood pressure and how it’s responding,” Gretsky said.

Myth: Only skinny women are healthy women. Truth: “They could be ‘skinny fat,” Capenos said. “That person could be struggling with eating disorders and mental health. The body is deteriorating, but they look great.

Women especially see it as they’re struggling mentally and losing weight.” Weight also may not reflect the amount of muscle a particular person carries. A lighter person the same height may have less muscle and be less healthy. Myth: Making small lifestyle changes won’t make a difference in my overall health. Truth: “Your healthy lifestyle choices all add up,” Capenos said. To make a difference in both short-term and long-term health, drinking more water instead of sugary beverages; eat more nutrient-rich produce instead of processed foods; get sufficient rest; take more time for self-care and stress management; and exercise regularly while incorporating more movement each day. “If you’re looking to set a serious change, schedule 30 minutes of ‘me’

time,” Capenos said. “Do something until the alarm goes off. Don’t let yourself get up and change the laundry over. There will never be a day we don’t have laundry. I look at fitness as a ‘care task.’” Myth: Women who lift weights will look bulky like a man. Truth: “Because women have a different hormone base than men, having much less testosterone than men, they will not get big and bulky through resistance training,” said Jill Murphy, certified personal trainer and co-owner of Mission Fitness in Syracuse. “The only way they would get bigger is if they were doing resistance training and building muscle, but not doing the proper diet and gaining body fat around the muscle causing it to look bigger. But again, they’re never going to get big and bulky like men, even if they train in the same manner. They don’t have the hormones that men have to do so.”

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Ups Risk of Premature Birth

sing cannabis during pregnancy may not be as benign as some think, with a new review showing it raises the risk for both premature and low-birth-weight newborns. In turn, that raised the chances of these infants winding up in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for special care. There was reassuring news in the analysis, published Nov. 16 in the journal Addiction: Exposure to cannabis while in the womb did not translate into a higher risk for birth defects, death within one year or death from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Some moms-to-be turn to weed for help with morning sickness or general malaise, but the researchers noted that may be a dangerous decision. “The global increase in cannabis

use among women of reproductive age also extends to pregnant women,” said study first author Maryam Sorkhu, at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. “We know that THC, the main psychoactive constituent in cannabis, can cross the placenta from mother to fetus and bind to receptors in the fetal brain,” Sorkhu said in a news release from the Society for the Study of Addiction. “Our study adds to that knowledge by showing that prenatal exposure to cannabis heightens the risk of several adverse birth outcomes.” In their review, the investigators pooled the results of 57 published studies that involved a total of nearly 13 million infants, almost 103,000 of them exposed to cannabis. Three different outcomes were measured: premature birth, low birth

weight and admission to a NICU. Twenty of the studies measured the association between cannabis exposure and the risk of preterm delivery. In these, the combined results showed that pregnant women using cannabis were over 1.5 times more likely to have a preterm delivery, compared with women not using cannabis during pregnancy. Meanwhile, 18 of the studies measured the risk of low birth weight. There, investigators found that women using cannabis during

Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a low-birth-weight baby compared with women who didn’t. Last but not least, 10 of the studies measured the risk of needing NICU admission. In these, exposed newborns were more than twice as likely to require NICU admission as non exposed newborns. The studies in the meta-analysis were published between 1984 and 2023 in a wide range of countries.

Health News New orthopedic surgeon joins Community Memorial Orthopedic surgeon Kamaljeet Banga has recently joined Community Memorial (CMH) in Hamilton. With over 15 years of extensive experience in orthopedics, Banga has practiced in the United States, Canada and India. His career Kamaljeet Banga has been marked by a strong background in sports medicine, upper extremity, military and trauma care in both university and community healthcare settings. "I am truly excited to become a part of the Community Memorial team. It is my privilege to join such a dedicated group of healthcare professionals who share a common goal of delivering exceptional orthopedic care," stated Banga, "I am eager to bring my expertise in upper extremity orthopedics and sports medicine to benefit our patients and contribute to the continued growth and success of Community Memorial's Orthopedic Center." Banga is a distinguished professional, certified by the medical boards in the United States, Canada and India. He holds board certification in sports medicine and orthopedics from the respective medical associations of these nations, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care. Banga completed his fellowship in orthopedic surgery, upper- extremity, and sports medicine at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, he holds a fellowship in orthopedic sports surgery from the University of Western Ontario, in Ontario, Canada. These specialized training experiences have equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver outstanding medical care in the fields of orthopedics and sports medicine.

Arc, Oneida-Lewis CEO joins ACHE board of directors Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter Chief Executive Officer Karen Korotzer has joined the board of directors of the American College of Healthcare Executives of Upstate New York, the official local chapter of the national ACHE. Korotzer has Karen Korotzer been a member of ACHE since 2006, earning the prestigious Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) accreditation in March 2023. "I felt strongly that ACHE of Upstate New York's values of integrity,

lifelong learning, leadership, and diversity aligned with those of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis, and my own, making this a perfect fit. I'm beyond honored to serve on the board of directors," said Korotzer. ACHE of Upstate New York is committed to advancing healthcare leadership and innovation among its members. The organization strives to be the go-to resource for professional development, offering education, support, resources, and networking opportunities to healthcare leaders and their associates.

Rome Health welcomes two urologists Rome Health has two new urologists, Jeffrey Sekula and Daniel Welchons added to its medical staff. The board-certified urologists are performing their surgical cases at Rome Health and began providing urology call coverage for the hospital since December. Sekula has special training in genitourinary cancers, benign prostate disease and kidney stone management, including metabolic stone evaluation. In addition, he has expertise in prosthetic urology, including penile implants, urinary slings and sphincters, and InterStim implantation. He earned his medical degree at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School and completed his residency in urology at Duke University Medical Center in 2003. While in training, he earned his program's only Pfizer Scholar urology award, three yearly academic achievement awards, and his research led to his co-authorship of an AUA basic sciences first prize-winning paper on prostate cancer molecular pathways. Welchons’ specialties and interests are laparoscopic, robotic and prosthetic surgery. He has particular interest in urologic oncology (including prostate, renal, bladder, penile and testicular cancer), BPH, voiding dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. He was certified by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and has participated in many clinical studies. He has been published in several journals, including Journal of Urology and Prostate, and co-authored an article on Emedicine.com Welchons received a full-tuition academic scholarship to attend medical school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he graduated Alpha Omega Alpha. In medical school, he spent part of his fourth year at Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (ISMETT) in Palermo, Italy, assisting in transplantation surgery services. He completed his surgical internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and residency at the Harvard program in urology. As a senior resident, he was an instructor for the New England urology training course in robotic surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. Welchons was also involved with teaching students at Harvard Medical School.

Rome Health has new pediatric doctor Rome Health has a new pediatri cian joining the Rome Health Pediatrics practice. Pediatrician Margaret Cooper is a graduate of Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has been a pediatrician since 2012. With the adMargaret Cooper dition of Cooper this expands the pediatrics services of Rome Health to a team of five providers. “We are a cohesive team and truly believe in watching your children and families grow with our practice,” Cooper said. “We are truly interested in seeing children in the practice for their acute sick visits.” Another recent change to the pediatrics practice is the location. It’s now located at 1819 Black River Blvd. Because of the growth of the practice it needed to find a new location to better serve the growing number of patients the providers are seeing. “Our practice is growing significantly, so we created a dedicated space to better serve our pediatric patients,” said Cooper.

Community Memorial adds NP to its cardiology team Community Memorial has nurse practitioner Sherri Loucks is joining its cardiology team. She will join cardiologist Avneet Singh and nurse practitioner Shelby Sharp and will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality cardiac care to the community. Sherri Loucks Bringing over two decades of expertise in both inpatient and outpatient cardiology care, Loucks has garnered valuable experience in hospital medicine during her tenure as a hospitalist in the Utica region. Loucks holds a Master of Science degree in nursing from SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse. She obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner certification from Community-General Hospital in Syracuse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Utica College of Syracuse University. Loucks's commitment to excellence is evident through her participation in nurse practitioner clinical preceptor programs and her recognition with the President's Award for Voluntary faculty services from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Her extensive experience has finely tuned her skills in cardiovascular disease management, ECG interpretation, cardiac device management, and acute and chronic disease management. Additionally, Loucks is well-versed in hospital medicine, collaborating seam-

lessly with interdisciplinary teams. "I am thrilled that Sherri has joined the Cardiology team at Community Memorial. Sherri's experience and skillset make a great addition to our team, and it is the patients who will benefit the most," cardiologist Singh said.

NP joins Community Memorial’s Morrisville center Michele

Brennan-Vuocolo, a nurse practitioner with a doctored degree in nursing, has joined Community Memorial in Hamilton. She will see patients at Community Memorial's Family Health Center in Morrisville. The new hire Michele Brennanhelps tomeet Vuocolo the increasing demand for primary care services. The organization remains committed to enhancing access to healthcare for the community, according to hospital. As a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a wealth of experience across various healthcare settings, Brennan-Vuocolo is well-positioned to offer comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages, according to the hospital officials. Her journey in nursing includes 11 years of dedicated service as a staff RN, charge nurse, and preceptor in diverse units, including med-surgical, intensive care, PACU, and emergency care within hospitals in the Central New York region. Her extensive clinical background laid the foundation for her subsequent career as a family nurse practitioner. Brennan-Vuocolo received her master's degree in family health and family nurse practitioner in 1995. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2020, both degrees from Binghamton University. Her practice has spanned various geographic locations, including Rome and Utica as well as Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New Hampshire. These diverse experiences have honed her ability to thrive in both autonomous and collaborative healthcare environments. In addition to her clinical roles, Brennan-Vuocolo has made significant contributions as a nurse educator in service organizations and academic institutions. Her multifaceted role includes providing interdisciplinary staff development, implementing professional practice models, and serving as faculty in license-qualifying nursing education programs. Her commitment to education is further evident in her role as a preceptor-mentor to BSN and graduate nursing students, family nurse practitioner certificate students, and novice nursing faculty. Brennan-Vuocolo is affiliated with several organizations, including the Nurse Practitioner Association, American Nurse Practitioner Association, and Sigma Theta Tau.

January 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

In Good Company: We Need Other People to Be Happy By Barbara Pierce

ur hope for 2024? Perhaps it’s remembering that as much as the people around us can at times drive us up the wall, we need other people in our lives to be happy and healthy. We’re an ultra-social species wired to need connections with others. Loneliness is on the rise. Lack of human connection can be more harmful to your health than obesity, smoking or being a couch potato. In short, according to biology, neuroscience and psychology, our bodies actually work better when we’re around others. In today’s age, we live busy lives, trying to strike a balance between work and our personal life. Often our social connections fall by the wayside. But connecting with others is more important than you might think. A growing body of research supports that. Friendships protect against depression and anxiety, increase life satisfaction and improve health measures such as blood pressure. Those who don’t have strong social connections have an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, addiction and dementia. “Having a support network is

so important,” said licensed mental health counselor James Davis, CEO of Samaritan Counseling Center in Utica. “It’s especially important if you’re dealing with depression or anxiety. Who can you really trust?” Not having a social support system is actually a source of chronic stress for our bodies. When people feel lonely, they have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies. Just having another person around, one who you trust and feel safe with, makes the world look like a less challenging place. A recent study of 28,000 people found that the more people socialized, the longer they lived. How much socializing does it take to live longer? Even just a little adds to your life. The reality is that we’re living in a time of true disconnect. While technology seems to connect us more than ever, the screens around us disconnect us from ourselves and from others. It alone isn’t enough to fulfill our social needs — we need face-toface interaction to thrive. Technology should enhance our connections to others, not replace it. For many it’s helpful to think about the friendships we already have in our lives. Reconnect with old friends. Even if they feel a little stale,

there are ways to revive them. Make time for the people you care about. It takes time to move from a casual acquaintance to a friend and more time to solidify it to a trusted friend. When you have those friends, prioritize the time to spend with them. Don’t let it take a back seat to other priorities. Another way to cultivate stronger friendships is to let yourself show your vulnerabilities. Let your friend know what you’re struggling with. This brings people closer together. To meet new people who might become your friends, you have to make it happen. To get new friends, assume you’ll have to put in all the effort. First, you have to find some possible candidates. Put yourself in situations where there are a lot of people who may be like you. Don’t limit yourself to one strategy for meeting people. The broader your efforts, the greater your likelihood of success. If you have a job or a volunteer job, you have an advantage; there may be many potential friends among the people you encounter every day. If you don’t have a job or volunteer, consider finding a volunteer job, try a church, synagogue or other spiritual group, or an adult learning

Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2024

center. Whatever your interests, there is probably a group of people with the same interests — at an art center, a political group, a historical society, people who dance, hike, bike ride, garden, dogs, book club etc. Once you’re chatting with a person you like, when you click with that person, take it to the next level. Invite them to do something with you, nothing big, just a coffee date, a walk. This is the important step, according to the experts. Many of us hit a wall here. You can meet all the people you want, but if you don’t take any action to do something with them in the future, you won’t make any new friends. Even interacting with strangers has benefits; multiple studies show that the amount of social interaction a person has in their daily life is one of the most consistent predictors of well-being. “Make new friends, but keep the old,” goes an old song. “One is silver and the other gold.” It’s never too late to develop new friendships or reconnect with old friends. Investing time in strengthening your friendships and in making new friends will pay off in better health and a well-being for years to come.